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McGuinty government increases access to long-term care beds for South Ottawa residents

New Beds Will Bring 83 Jobs To The Region
OTTAWA, Aug. 27 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government is awarding a total of
96 new long-term care home beds to South Ottawa to increase access to quality
long-term care health services, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George
Smitherman announced today.
"Our government is working hard to meet the needs of communities that are
experiencing long-term care pressures," said Smitherman. "These new beds,
awarded in South Ottawa, mean residents will have access to a higher quality
of life in a new, home-like environment."
The $7.2 million investment will allow the construction of 96 new beds to
open by the end of 2010 as an addition to St. Patrick's Home.
"We are delighted the government is moving forward," said Dr. Robert
Cushman, CEO of the Champlain Local Health Integration Network. "This new
investment will provide more options for seniors and their families in our
community. It will also reduce pressures on hospital beds."
This is just one more example of how, working together, Ontarians have
achieved results in improving the quality of life for long-term care
residents. Other initiatives include:
- Providing residents with more nutritious food by increasing the daily
raw food allowance to $7.00, effective September 1, 2007;
- Funding 6,100 new front-line staff, including 2,300 nurses;
- Redeveloping 35,000 older long-term care beds over the next 10 years
to ensure equitable access to quality long-term care home
accommodation.
Today's initiative is part of the McGuinty government's plan for
innovation in public health care, building a system that delivers on three
priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing
better access to doctors and nurses.
This news release, along with other media materials, such as matte
stories and audio clips, on other subjects, are available on our website at:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca under the News Media section.
For more information on achievements in health care, visit:
www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca.
Disponible en français.

For further information:

For further information: David Spencer, Minister's Office, (416)
327-4320; David Jensen, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, (416) 314-6197;
Members of the general public: 1-866-532-3161